Cafe Spice’s Chicken Tikka Masala Announced as 2027 sofi Award Finalist by the Specialty Food Association

New Windsor, NY, October 20, 2026 – Cafe Spice, a family-owned maker of authentic, chef-inspired Indian cuisine, is proud and deeply grateful to announce that its Chicken Tikka Masala has been named a finalist for the Specialty Food Association (SFA)’s 2027 sofi Awards, an annual celebration of the best specialty food products of the year.

Standing for “specialty outstanding food innovation,” the sofi Awards have put a spotlight on excellence in specialty food and beverage since 1972.

“The recognition as a sofi Gold Award finalist is a tremendous honor for our entire Cafe Spice family,” said Sameer Malhotra, CEO of Cafe Spice. “Our Chicken Tikka Masala reflects the care our team puts into every single batch, from the production crew in our Hudson Valley, NY kitchen to the food safety and quality professionals who make sure every meal is one we’re proud to serve. We’re grateful to the judges for this recognition, and most of all to the customers and retail partners who have welcomed our food to their tables.”

Cafe Spice’s Chicken Tikka Masala stood out among more than 1,000 entries, judged by an expert panel of specialty food buyers in a rigorous blind tasting process. Products were evaluated based on flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation. 75 products that received the highest marks across these criteria advanced as Gold Award finalists.

SFA will announce the 2027 sofi Award winners live in a special ceremony on January 17 at the Winter FancyFaire* trade show in San Francisco. Additionally, the three-day show will elevate all 75 finalists through a special product showcase and curated buyer opportunities.

“Each year, our expert judges are blown away by the craft, quality, and innovation of the sofi Award finalists, who set the tone for the industry in the coming year,” said Bill Lynch, president of SFA. “Congratulations to Cafe Spice and all the 2027 finalists, we can’t wait to celebrate you at Winter FancyFaire*!”

Cafe Spice’s Chicken Tikka Masala brings a beloved classic to the table with tender pieces of chicken tikka simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce layered with warm, aromatic spices. Prepared at the company’s kitchen in Beacon, New York, under rigorous food safety and quality standards, it delivers the comforting, restaurant-quality flavor of a cherished historic recipe with everyday convenience. Rooted in Indian culinary traditions, this classic entrée has earned recognition from the Specialty Food Association’s sofi™ Awards before, emphasizing Cafe Spice’s commitment to culinary excellence and exceptional flavor.

Attendees at Winter FancyFaire* 2027 can sample Cafe Spice’s Chicken Tikka. The Cafe Spice team looks forward to sharing a taste with fellow food lovers and buyers. Buyers will also be able to sample select sofi Award finalists onsite at First Taste Table.

The recognition comes after a busy and productive year for Cafe Spice, marked by a new product development, an expanded brand launch with Cantina Latina, and a continued focus on bringing authentic, globally inspired cuisine to consumers across the country.

Through it all, the company has stayed grounded in the commitments that define it: Good Manufacturing Practices, rigorous allergen management, and a culture where safety and quality begin on day one for every team member.

“This honor is proof that great food starts with great people,” Malhotra said. “It belongs to everyone at Cafe Spice, and it inspires us as we work to continue building on our culinary heritage while finding new ways to bring the flavors of our kitchen to more consumers.” Looking ahead, Cafe Spice will continue to focus on product innovation, strengthening retail partnerships, and expanding awareness of its portfolio of globally inspired meals, while remaining true to the quality, flavor, and authenticity that have defined the brand for more than 25 years.

The sofi Awards are considered the top honor in the $219-billion specialty food industry. Past winners include some of today’s most recognizable and successful brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Kettle Chips, Fage Yogurt, Stonewall Kitchen, and Vermont Creamery.

About Cafe Spice:

Cafe Spice LLC is a family-owned food manufacturing company headquartered in New Windsor, New York, with production operations in Beacon, New York. Founded in 1998 by Sushil Malhotra and his son, Sameer Malhotra, Cafe Spice brings authentic, globally inspired cuisine to consumers through a diverse portfolio of chef-crafted ready-to-eat meals, entrées, and appetizers. Combining culinary heritage with modern manufacturing capabilities, the company serves retail and foodservice customers nationwide. Cafe Spice is committed to quality, food safety, and innovation through comprehensive manufacturing processes, allergen management, and food safety and quality assurance programs. Its achievements include multiple Specialty Food Association sofi™ Awards and recent recognition as Think Dutchess Alliance for Business’s 2026 Tastemaker of the Year.

About the Specialty Food Association:

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $219-billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 4,800 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by producing events, programs, and year-round resources and education. SFA owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire*, and the sofi™ Awards, which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972. SFA also oversees the Good Food Mercantile, Good Food Qualification, and Good Food Awards, celebrating tasty, authentic, responsibly crafted food and the people behind it. Find out more at Specialtyfood.com, and connect with SFA on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.